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Center for Student Wellbeing

The Peer Guide Program

Peer Guides (PGs) are Vanderbilt University undergraduate wellbeing coaches and facilitators. PGs provide support and guidance to fellow undergraduate students through individual wellbeing coaching sessions and group facilitation. One-on-one coaching includes topics such as, emotional wellbeing, time management, stress management, life transitions, and social support. PGs also lead workshops and presentations covering mindfulness, how to ask for help, resilience skills, Student Care Network Overview, and others.

FAQs

  • What is a Peer Guide?

    Peer Guides are undergraduate students employed by the Center for Student Wellbeing who have been trained as wellbeing coaches. They have spent a semester learning and practicing their one-on-one coaching skills and becoming experts on campus resources, time management techniques, goal-setting, crisis intervention, and motivational interviewing. Most importantly, they know what it’s like to be a Vanderbilt student and have their own lived experiences that allow them to relate and empathize with whatever challenges you might be facing.

    In addition to one-on-one coaching, our Peer Guides also participate in outreach events such as mindfulness and meditation workshops and our annual Wellbeing Fair.

  • How do I know if meeting with a Peer Guide is right for me?

    Peer Guides are trained to help you identify your goals and collaborate with you on a plan to prioritize and achieve them. These goals could be related to stress management, time management, social support, life transitions, and more. Peer Guides are here to listen and learn about your current situation, ask questions to gain understanding about what kinds of changes you hope to make, work with you to develop an accessible plan, and be there to check in with you and your progress along the way.

  • What if it’s not the right fit?

    Not every coach is right for every person, and our Peer Guides are not trained as academic tutors, financial coaches, or mental health therapists. However, they are trained to be knowledgeable about campus resources and can point you in the right direction to help you get the care you deserve. If you meet with a Peer Guide and find that their coaching is not sufficient for your needs, they can help you identify a better option and get connected with the appropriate providers.

  • How do I become a Peer Guide?

    Peer Guide applications for the upcoming academic year open at the beginning of March, and close at the end of March. We will post a link when the application becomes available. 

     

  • What if I have more questions?

    For questions, collaboration opportunities, or to request Peer Guide support for your wellness-related event, please reach out to us at healthydores@vanderbilt.edu. 

Meet the Peer Guides

To schedule a Peer Guide (PG) coaching appointment, undergraduate students can call 615-322-0480 or email healthydores@vanderbilt.edu. Peer Guides also hold drop-in coaching hours at the CSW on Fridays from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Gabrielle Baugh

Gabrielle Baugh

Hi Everyone! I am a senior from Kingston, Jamaica and South Florida. I am studying Cognitive Studies and Psychology and on campus I am a research assistant, BCC Ambassadore, Next Steps Volunteer, CSA Senior Advisor and a Peabody Academic Mentor! In my free time I enjoy spending time with my friends, listening to music and dancing, and I cannot wait to serve as a Peer Guide this semester!

Courtney Cagnolatti

Courtney Cagnolatti (she/her)

I’m a senior from Mokena, Ill. studying Medicine, Health and Society and Biological Sciences! On campus, I am actively a part of Tour Guides, the BlackCultural Center AmbassaDores, and the SyBBure Searle Undergraduate Research Program. I also am doing research at a VUMC lab! In my free time, I enjoy running, finding new shows to watch, and journaling. I can’t wait to be a Peer Guide this semester!

Emma Clarke

Emma Clarke (she/her)

I’m a senior from Raleigh, N.C., studying Human & Organizational Development with a minor in German Studies. On campus, I am involved in VandyLifts and Vandy Radio. In my free time, I love working out, making Spotify playlists, and just getting outside! I am so excited to be a peer guide this semester.

Elizabeth Ebhogiaye

Elizabeth Ebhogiaye (she/her)

I’m a senior from Atlanta, Ga. majoring in Human and Organizational Development and minoring in African American and Diaspora Studies. On campus, I am involved with the African Student Union, Every Nation Campus ministries, WRVU radio, and the Vanderbilt Prison Project. In my free time, I enjoy internet surfing, singing karaoke, and spending quality time with my loved ones. I am ecstatic to be joining the Peer Guide family!

Rui Huang

Rui Huang (he/him)

Hi everyone, I am a junior from China. I am studying Cognitive Studies and Economics. On campus, I am the research assistant at Mind over Mood Lab. In my spare time, I like tennis, mindfulness, and reading. I am thrilled to be a part of the Peer Guide project this year!

Kendal Seymour

Kendal Seymour (she/her)

Hello everyone! I am a senior from Fort Myers, Fla. and Frederick, Md. I am studying Neuroscience on the premedical track. On campus, I am an undergraduate researcher in Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Department of Neuropharmacology. In my spare time, I love to rock climb with Vanderbilt’s Climbing Club, hike new trails with friends, and get lost in a good book. I am thrilled to be a part of the Peer Guide project this year!

Isaac Vega

Isaac Vega (he/him)

Hi everyone! I am a sophomore from Salem, Ore. I am studying psychology and Spanish, with a minor in data science. On campus, I am involved with VSVS (Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science) as an English Language Learning (ELL) Co-Chair and work with the Body, Mind, and Brain Lab to do psychosis research! In my free time, I enjoy running, lifting weights, and volunteering as a medical interpreter off-campus! I am so excited to be a part of the Peer Guide Program this year!